John Hartford - Down from the Mountain

Subject: RE: John Hartford - Down from the Mountain
From: seagoddess
Date: 09 Jun 01 - 04:35 PM

SeanM,

I saw "Down from the Mountain" on June 6 at the International Film Festival here in Newport, RI. If you are near one of this festival's stops, by all means go and see the movie because, according to director D.A.Pennebaker, USA will not be releasing the film to theaters. Pennebaker and the Cohen Bros. tried to buy the film back from USA when they found out that there were no release or distribution plans by USA, but they won't sell it back to the producers/directors. The Cohens and Pennebaker took it upon themselves to enter the film in the International Film Festival as they felt the film was musically and historically important, carefully done, and deserved better. It will probably be released on video within the next year, however, as that is USA's biggest market. I hope you - and lots of other folks - can see it on the big screen, with good sound - it really is fantastic.

Subject: RE: John Hartford - Down from the Mountain
From: SeanM
Date: 09 Jun 01 - 05:20 AM

Gaaaah! I almost missed this!

Does this mean they've finally released "Down from the Mountain"? I need to see this film. Seriously need.

M

Subject: RE: John Hartford - Down from the Mountain
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Jun 01 - 11:44 AM

seagoddess, you just haven't seen it, it's here, John Hartford Epilogue, but thanks for a fine review. Sounds like a great film.

Subject: John Hartford - Down from the Mountain
From: seagoddess
Date: 08 Jun 01 - 11:39 AM

Maybe I'm missing it, but there doesn't seem to be mention on Mudcat's Forum of the passing this week of the wonderful, John Hartford. Wednesday, I attended a screening of the film, "Down from the Mountain," a delightful documentary of the concert held in May 2000 featuring traditional players from the movie, "O Brother Where Art Thou." John Hartford not only performed with great vitality and spirit, but was a terrific host for the concert. After the screening of the film, director D.A.Pennebaker (who also did "The War Room" and "Don't Look Back") spoke about the film and the concert. He also relayed the sad news that John Hartford had passed away just two days prior. He went on to praise John as both musician and human being and said that John's skillful and talented hosting of the concert truly was key in making it such a success. "Down from the Mountain" is a very special film, not only due to John's delightful performance, or those by greats like Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, Fairfield Four, among many others, but because of the significance, respect, and honor it bestows upon traditional music and its players. This USA film is in very limited release, if you get the opportunity to see it, go! Great film, fabulous concert, and a wonderful final glimpse of John Hartford.

Cindy Peloquin